Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today affirmed that Assamese and Naga people have been sharing a close relationship and still continue to share the common goal for people centric development on both sides of the border.

"We need to work together in mission mode and give a boost to Saabka Saath, Saabka Vikas," Sonowal said during his address at the inaugural function of the 10-day long Hornbill Festival of Nagaland at Kisama.

On the border crisis between the two states, Sonowal suggested constituting committees, comprising of MPs and MLAs and local people to undertake visits to the bordering districts of Assam and Nagaland to facilitate confidence building measures and strengthen mutual trust and a sense of togetherness.

Security forces on both sides of the border areas need to be extra cautious, he said.

Recalling his meeting with Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang on October 17 at Kaziranga, he termed it as a fruitful dialogue, wherein they agreed to work for a lasting solution in the areas of illegal migration, life and security to the people of both states and cultural and sporting exchanges between the two states.

"I am confident that we will work jointly to protect the North East region as a hub of potentialities, possibilities and prosperities and position it pan-India showcasing its unmatched beauty in tourism, culture, forest and environment," Sonowal said.

The Assam CM sought cooperation from Nagaland to work in areas of mutual interest like Rhino poaching, intelligence sharing on extremist activities and crime control in both states.

Addressing the gathering Nagaland Governor P B Acharya said "All tribes of Nagaland have their unique and indigenous festivals. Hornbill Festival has gone a long way in giving boost to tourism in our state and this is a miniature representation of the rich art and culture, spotless beauty of Nagaland and it showcases the cultural diversity of the state."

"The Hornbill Festival is an ideal way to revive, conserve and sustain the richness of the Naga heritage and culture. This festival is the symbol of our unity amongst our tribes," the Governor added.

Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang in his address said, "We try to show you a glimpse of our culture in its true colour and vibrancy through the festival. Whilst the Nagas are moving fast towards modernity and civilisation, we are equally determined to preserve our tradition and culture, which are the hallmarks of the Naga identity."

"We hope to leverage this as an important driver of the state's economic development," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)